Berkshires Region of the MCNP Kicks Off Statewide Legislative Initiative

And we are off! Last night, Thursday April 23rd at Zucchinis’ Restaurant in Pittsfield, the Berkshire Region kicked off the first Legislative event in a statewide attempt to educate Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists and local State Legislators about HD 1996/SB 1207 An act to Remove Restrictions on the Licenses of NPs and CRNAs as recommended by the Institute of Medicine and the Federal Trade Commission.

Thirty-two people attended the evening including Senator Benjamin Downing, Representative Smitty Pignatelli and Representative Peter Kocot. Gloria Craven, Co-managing member of Craven and Ober, the firm of lobbyists responsible for the implementation of our legislative agenda, helped us all understand why we must support this bill. As one NP texted this morning " (Gloria) made it clear and now I am 100% behind the bill”. (Pictured L to R Gloria Craven and Leah McKInnon-Howe, with program planners Sue Volrath, CRNA and Sophia Veinoglou, NP.)

Leah McKinnon-Howe NP, Co-Chair of MCNP Political Action Committee (PAC) explained the purpose of a PAC and the importance of financial support outside of our yearly dues. While most of us find it hard to ask for money, Leah, with her charming Boston accent and outstretched hand, had many NPs and CRNAS digging in their bags for checks…it was that easy! Many thanks to Sue Vollrath CRNA, who, together with Gloria and Leah, made this evening possible

The star of the night, however, was Representative Peter Kocot who summed it all up by saying:

"Politics should never trump logic”.
The MCNP and MANA urge every NP and CRNA to attend the upcoming Legislative Events in their areas. Not only is it imperative for our profession, but it is also a great way to meet other NPs and CRNAs from your region.